During a recent cross-country drive I wanted to make sure I swung past Lock & Dam 13 near Fulton, IL to see if the eagle's nest was active. It was, sort of. This year's hatchlings were fledglings by the time I got there July 1.

The nest is closer to the road and more visible than the few other eagle's nests I've seen, but it's still not that close. This shot taken with 500mm lens and 1.4x extender shows one of the adults. Barely visible behind is one of the youngsters, and if I had posted a wider shot you would be able to see the second youngster roosting a few feet above the nest. It's not a great photo op but with a good binoculars or scope it is a great observing op. Click for larger version.